About Us​

Miss Amanda is the lead teacher for the Gamma Delta AM program. After graduating from Hampton High School, Miss Amanda attended the University of Pittsburgh- Oakland where she received a Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Contemporary Social Sciences. Throughout her college career, Miss Amanda was an assistant teacher in Childcare at Solid Foundations Academy where she discovered her love for children and education. Following her graduation from Pitt, she continued her higher education as the Community College of Allegheny County, receiving her Diploma in Early Childhood Director Core. Now in her third year teaching the Gamma Delta classroom, Miss Amanda prides herself in having a classroom emphasis on inclusivity, positivity, structure as well as an individualized and easily digestible teaching approach! She is an advocate for environmental protection and equality in education. In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with her niece, husband and many adorable pets! She looks forward to the many years and lovely families and students she will encounter working at SFA to come!

Upon graduation from Deer Lakes High School, Miss Bri earned a Bachelor of Art in Dance from Slippery Rock University with a minor in Adapted Physical Activity. While studying at Slippery Rock, Miss Bri had the opportunity to begin teaching children of all ages dance classes. From there, Miss Bri got to know the students that would become her children that she would nanny over the summer. As well as teaching dance classes during college, Bri was working with individuals with disabilities in a physical activity atmosphere to complete her minor. Bri works Preschool, K- Enrichment and in Childcare as well as a dance teacher a various local dance studio. She finds joy in all the little moments with her family and creating choreography for her dancers.Bri has worked with kids for 8 years and is still passionate about it as she was at the very start. She enjoys watching kids learn to be confident in who they are and reach their milestones. Bri is married and hopes to add a furry friend to her family really soon. Bri is grateful to be a part of Solid Foundations Academy and can’t wait to see herself grow as a teacher.

Karen Snavely joined Solid Foundations Academy the very first month that we opened as an academy in September 2016! She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. She currently holds both public and private certifications in Elementary Education K-6, Nursery-Kindergarten, and Early Childhood Center Directorship. Throughout the years, Karen has worked with children and their families across a variety of settings which include being a therapeutic staff support person, and working in school districts, churches, preschools, and summer camps. She is married to Scott Snavely and they have three young adult daughters. Karen has both personal and professional experience in teaching children who have a wide range of abilities.

Melanie is the Childcare Director for the Wexford Location. She has been working for Solid Foundations Academy since 2017 and has enjoyed every minute since she has started. Melanie has her Associates Degree in Early Education and Child Development from CCAC as well as her Director Certification. She plans on continuing her education at Carlow University to earn her Bachelor’s Degree.

Melanie personal goals are for her to start her own family and to purchase her first home!

She is excited to meet your family and help your little one to grow and learn.

Kristy has been with Solid Foundations Academy for a year and a half now and she brings a creative side to this center. She has a diploma in graphic arts and design. She gets the opportunity to express her creativity and art by designing the bulletin boards you see when you enter the center. She has worked in several different job setting and working in the childcare field is her calling. Kristy has a little over 12 years working with children. She loves watching the kids grow into their own special unique personalities and seeing them have their “ah-ha” moments when discovering and learning something new.

She plans to further her education by acquiring her CDA from Carlow University. Kristy truly feels that she has found her “forever home” at SFA.

Jordan Pijanowski is a dedicated educator with a passion for helping children learn, grow, and thrive. She earned her degree in Early Childhood Education (PK–4) with a Minor in Special Education and an International Concentration from Slippery Rock University.

Jordan’s experience working with children spans a variety of settings—from early learning classrooms to dance studios. She began her journey as a classroom aide at Priory Court Children’s Center and later at the SRU/SGA Child Care Center, where she supported the development of children ages two through eight through engaging lessons and nurturing care.

Outside of the classroom, Jordan has shared her love of learning and creativity as a dance teacher at Emotion Dance Academy by Erin, where she has inspired students ages 3–18 for more than seven years. Through dance, she fosters confidence, discipline, and teamwork while building meaningful relationships with her students.

Jordan’s background also includes leadership and mentorship roles through her involvement in Delta Zeta Sorority, where she served as Vice President of New Member Education—guiding and supporting incoming members through their educational journey.

With her strong foundation in early childhood education, hands-on classroom experience, and genuine love for children, Jordan is committed to creating a positive, inclusive environment where every child can succeed.

Aidan Pijanowski brings a warm, creative spirit and a lifelong passion for working with children to her role at Solid Foundations Academy. A Pittsburgh native and graduate of Pittsburgh CAPA, Aidan has built a strong foundation in both the arts and education—blending her love for dance, teaching, and child development into everything she does.

Her professional journey includes years of experience working with children of all ages—as a babysitter, dance instructor, substitute teacher, and event assistant for multiple studios. Through her work at Emotion Dance Academy by Erin, Aidan has guided young dancers in building confidence, creativity, and teamwork, both in the classroom and on stage.

A committed and caring professional, Aidan believes in creating joyful, supportive environments where children can explore, express themselves, and grow. She is proud to be a member of both the National Honor Society of Academics and the National Honor Society of Dance Arts, reflecting her dedication to excellence and integrity in every aspect of her work.

At Solid Foundations Academy, Aidan combines her artistic background with her nurturing personality to help every child feel seen, valued, and inspired to learn. Aidan is thrilled to bring her creative talents to Solid Foundations Academy.

Shayla Livingston is a dedicated professional with experience in team leadership, child care, and community-focused service. She brings a compassionate, reliable, and people-centered approach to her work, supported by a background in staff supervision, training, and family engagement.

With experience as a Shift Manager, Marketing Associate, and In-Home Nanny, Shayla has developed strong skills in communication, organization, positive reinforcement, and individualized support. She is passionate about working with children and families and is committed to supporting programs that value dignity, growth, and meaningful outcomes.